Visiting Ireland offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture.
When arriving in Ireland you will probably come in through Dublin, the largest city and capital of the Republic of Ireland. The capital is full of historic landmarks, such as Trinity College (housing the Book of Kells), Dublin Castle, and lively pubs in the Temple Bar area. The River Liffey runs through the city and brings life to the center of the city. To complete the trip a person must take a tour of the Guinness brewery. After the tour, you find yourself on the top floor. At this point, they pull you a pint while you enjoy breathtaking views of the city.
On the southeast portion of the island is County Cork, which has many amazing sites. From the vibrant city of Cork, Ireland’s second largest, to the small, quaint villages like Kinsale, a person can visit artisan shops, friendly pubs, and be able to immerse themselves in Irish culture. Also in County Cork is the city of Cobh. Cobh is home to memorials to the victims of the Lusitania, a passenger ship sunk off the coast of Cobh during World War I, and the Titanic, whose last port of call was Cobh before heading across the Atlantic on its fateful voyage. The Fota House and Gardens (built by my ancestors) is a wonderful park to experience Ireland’s rich flora and see what life was like in the 1700s.
Moving clockwise around the island you can experience the Ring of Kerry with its mountains, lakes, beaches, and quaint villages, as well as ancient Celtic sites which predate the pyramids of Egypt. Further up the coast is the largest city on the west coast, Galway, which is a very artistic city. Galway is also the gateway for the Cliffs of Moher, which are iconic cliffs on the Atlantic Ocean that offer some of the most awe-inspiring and dramatic coastal views.
Ireland is home to over 30,000 castles, like the Rock of Cashel, which was home to the House of Munster. It is also said that it was here that St. Patrick converted the Munster King to Christianity.
The city of Athlone also has a small castle on the River Shannon, which is an important waterway that runs through the center of the country. Near that castle is Sean’s Bar, which was just established as the oldest pub in Ireland, and possibly the world, providing a pint since 900AD. These pubs are where people can truly experience the warmth of Irish hospitality. Pubs are not just places to grab a pint but cultural hubs where locals and tourists mingle. Enjoy traditional Irish music sessions, storytelling, and good conversation. The Irish people make visitors feel welcome and offer plenty of opportunities to chat and learn about local life.
When thinking of Ireland, many don’t consider Northern Ireland, which shares the island with the Republic of Ireland, but is actually one of the four countries that make up the United Kingdom. One of the most amazing natural formations is the Giant’s Causeway, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its unique hexagonal basalt columns.
The capital city of Belfast has much to offer, such as the Titanic Museum, but also the legacy of the Troubles. The Troubles were an ongoing conflict between Catholics and Protestants in Northern Ireland, most recently in the 1970s-1990s. A person can travel the Protestant and Catholic portions of the city to see incredible murals for each side depicting their perspective. If one is in Belfast on July 12th, they can experience the pro-Protestant celebrations and parade that mark the defeat of Catholic King James in 1690 at the Battle of the Boyne.
Whether you're drawn by its stunning landscapes, rich cultural history, or friendly locals, Ireland has something for everyone.
My name is Barry Branaugh and I am a retired high school history teacher from Redmond, Oregon, who became a travel advisor in 2023. I have a passion for travel, but also get great fulfillment out of helping others achieve their travel dreams! In North America I have traveled to 45 of the 50 US states, Canada, Mexico, and Belize. In Europe I have traveled to Ireland, all four countries within, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Portugal, and Spain.
Reach out to Barry to get started planning your European adventure!
541-480-3889
Instagram: cnc_barry_branaugh
コメント